Friday, August 19, 2011

We drink lots of iced tea around here. I usually have a pitcher in the fridge ready to go at all times. Usually the kids leave it alone and it's all for me....until I started making this recipe. Now I can't keep the pitcher full. Every time I reach for it in the fridge there is about a half cup of dregs in the bottom. At least I know it's a winner. So here is a great recipe for summer and beyond.

Sweet Lemon Iced Tea

4 cups boiled hot water

1 cup sugar (honey, organic, splenda...whatever)

1/4 teaspoon baking soda (takes the bitterness from the tea)

8 tea bags (Orange Pekoe is the best although I've used Green too)

1 cup lemon juice

1 gallon jar

Measure sugar and place in large mixing bowl with 1 cup lemon juice and baking soda. Stir to blend Bring water to a boil in a saucepan. Remove from heat and place tea bags in the pan to steep for no more than 5 minutes. Remove the bags and discard being sure not to squeeze the bags. This can release the tannin which causes your tea to taste bitter. Pour hot tea into sugar/lemon mixture and stir to mix well. Transfer into one gallon container and fill to the top with cold water. Refrigerate and serve over ice.

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You can actually order this at our SC restaurants. It is called an Arnold Palmer because it is his favorite beverage. If you make it with peach tea it is called a Peachy Palmer. My daughter is a server at the clubhouse at the local country club and it is very commonly ordered there. SO hard to say though with our Southern accent!!

Just made my first batch of your Sweet Lemon Iced Tea. LOVE IT!! I get the large can of Arnold Palmer tea (Arizona Tea brand) when I am at work or out and need something. This is exactly like it and since both my husband & I enjoy it, I can see making it up alot. Thank you so much for posting this recipe.